PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) For a few years now, the lowly San Diego Padres have preached about "the process" of their deep rebuild via the draft and signing international players after their win-now attempt with pricey veterans failed so spectacularly in 2015.

That process now includes 28-year-old first baseman Eric Hosmer and his potential $144 million contract, a testament to the strength of the Padres' farm system and the willingness of ownership to spend money.

Owners Peter Seidler and Ron Fowler consider the signing a "significant moment" in Padres history.